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In 1977 we hired our first narrowboat from Anglo Welsh at Market Harborough.From that moment our destiny was set. In 2006 we finally purchased our own brand new 57' narrowboat which we named 'Free Spirit'. Our aim is to travel the length and breadth of all the navigable rivers and canals of the UK. This will be our story as it unfolds.

Wednesday 17 May 2017

Cruising once again

Sunday 14th May

At last.... on the move but only as far as Sandiacre. What a glorious day to cruise down the Erewash especially as we met 5 boats on their way up to the Mill. So every lock bar one was with us and that one was due to a ground paddle being left partially up. Also, we had help from Christine, Kev and Josh. The making of young Thomas into a lock wheeler was yet to come, him being only 3. Only downside, no life jacket for Josh. Thankfully, having spent many a holiday on our other boat Merlin, he is very good at listening to orders and doing what he was told.

Langley Mill



The youngest member of the family Thomas enjoying the day. Kev (at the bow) looking for Pike in the clear water


Thomas doing his bit.




A selfie!


Leaving Pasture lock, two big notices had been pinned to a post. Seems like another part of the canal beauty spots  to be blighted by HS2.



Saw plenty of Swans and Moorhens sitting on nests, I'm expecting a baby boom in the not too distant future. Whether we will see the Cygnets or Moorhen chicks are debatable. All depends if the consultant deems Ian fit for another 6 months. Won't know that for another week.









Just before Sandiacre lock is the Derby Arm and a small section still in water. Derby and Sandiacre canal society are hoping to reinstate this canal which starts at Swarkestone on the T&M and ends here at Sandiacre This would mean a cruising link bypassing the River Trent completely, wonderful if the river happens to be in flood. To view the map click here
 It is also on this bit of water that we pull into when we arrive back at our bungalow. So lucky that our tenants allow us to plug into the electrics and with a water tap by the garage, we could happily stay for several weeks. Just a trip to Trent Lock every 5 days to empty both cassettes.

So keeping everything crossed that we can leave on our travels next Thursday. Hoping to do the River Nene, middle levels and the Great River Ouse, two rivers totally new to us and by all accounts very pretty.

And seen at the garden opposite,







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